The answer to whether it is better between the Summilux FLE and Summicron Asph 35

[Gabriel66]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I tried to give an answer to a question we have heard hundreds of times. Depends on the use that one makes , if it is necessary or not in the diaphragm more .

From the last to the new Summicron 35 lux FLE there are also 13 years of research and design perspective .

So , taking advantage of the last test on the Summicron 35 Asph I posted in the blog today , I wanted to make a comparison with the already published results of 35 lux FLE .

Good: The summilux is better than the Summicron especially at wider apertures , with a yield more crystalline and transparent ..

I also tried to figure out if it was possible to give the Summicron the same " crispness " of the summilux . Well, by simply applying a bit of " structure " , the two objectives in the area are considered substantially equivalent .

At this point a question arises : is it worth to spend much more to get " a little more " ? In absolute terms, absolutely yes, in practical terms, is always dependent on our photography .

How to open at the beginning is not always the absolute clarity is needed : pictures of landscape , still-life , but in the reportage and street photo ..... Does anyone remember that the results were obtained (and we were happy to join them ) when we pulled a 400 iso to 1600 ?

The discussion is open , look contributions .... and in the meantime , Merry Christmas to all !

Hello

Gabriele Caproni photographer

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[lct]

...The summilux is better than the Summicron especially at wider apertures...

To me they are indiscernable as far as sharpness is concerned at f/2.8 and on. At f/2 the Summilux FLE looks sharper especially in the corners but its bokeh is too harsh for my tastes. So for me the Summilux FLE is irreplaceable at f/1.4 where sharpness is needed but otherwise i prefer the Summicron asph or the Summarit. YMMV.

[MarkP]

I have a love-hate relationship with my 35 Summilux (FLE). There are times when I'm astounded with the clarity, sharpness and 'transparency' of the lens. And other times when I find it just too 'sterile.'

 

I bought it as my first Leica lens as the 1.4/35 Nikkor AIS (with all of it's faults) was the standard lens on my Nikon F3/T for years. Over time I have used the 35mm less preferring 50 and 28mm. However I do find having f1.4 very useful and if I'm only going out with one lens for more 'general' photography it is the FL I take.

 

If I had my time again would I get the Summicron over the Summilux? I don't know but the price and small size of the Summicron (or Summarit) make them very tempting alternatives.

The other option would be the compact 1.4 /35 Summilux II with all of it's character (focus shift and all).

[Ecar]

The other option would be the compact 1.4 /35 Summilux II with all of it's character (focus shift and all).

 

I tested the FLE alongside my pre-FLE ASPH (which exhibits no focus shift - or possibly not enough to bother me) and happily kept the latter due to its (again, to me) more attractive, less clinical rendering in the oof areas.

I also have the Summicron ASPH but, whilst it's a great, dependable performer, I find its character somewhat dull compared to the pre-FLE Summilux.

[asiafish]

To me they are indiscernable as far as sharpness is concerned at f/2.8 and on. At f/2 the Summilux FLE looks sharper especially in the corners but its bokeh is too harsh for my tastes. So for me the Summilux FLE is irreplaceable at f/1.4 where sharpness is needed but otherwise i prefer the Summicron asph or the Summarit. YMMV.

 

The Summarit is outstanding.

[lct]

Could be better in the corners below f/5.6 where it is rather soft. Very good lens otherwise.

[CalArts 99]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have a love-hate relationship with my 35 Summilux (FLE). There are times when I'm astounded with the clarity, sharpness and 'transparency' of the lens. And other times when I find it just too 'sterile.'

 

Same here. And I'm not so sure I want to keep this lens. I don't use Leica digital anymore, but even on film the FLE can get a bit sterile. It sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. But I'm not too interested in keeping it as some 'special purpose only' kind of lens.

 

I did pick up a C-Biogon 35mm 2.8 a few months ago. Despite the aperture size, I actually kind of liked it better than the FLE I kept it attached constantly for a while to my M4 and with the small size, it was a nice compact package. But it's a very high contrast lens which I didn't really like, and ergonomically it's almost too small for me (I like to 'cradle' a lens with my left hand; not much room with the C-Biogon.) Also the little focusing 'nub' just got in my way (I like the Leica focusing tabs a lot.) And the 1/3 aperture interval click stops slowed me down with my usual 'feel the clicks' technique (I personal think they're unnecessary.) After using it for a while, I ended up not keeping it. But the OOF was okay, and it was pretty sharp and no discernible distortion.

 

That leaves only the 28 Summicron and the 50 Summilux ASPH as my truly favorite modern lenses for the M system. I'm fine with just those two (if I sell the FLE.)

[MarkP]

It's reassuring that I'm clearly not the only one who feels this way about the 1.4/35 Summilux (FLE).

 

I have a few ZM lenses (2.8/25, 1.5/50, 4/85 (and previously a 4.5/21) and am very impressed with them, but the high contrast and maximum f-stop of 2.8 put me off getting the 2.8/35 as it's too slow for my needs, and it's size put me off the 2.0/35 lens.

 

I had the 35 Summarit for a while and really enjoyed using it but over time I was less impressed with it primarily because it was really soft towards the edges and couldn't justify keeping two 35mm lenses as I was using this focal length less and less.

 

I may try a 35 Summicron or earlier 35 Summilux and see if I prefer them.

I could have both for what I'd get for the 35 Sumilux FLE

 

Also there's the 'never ever sell a Leica lens' motto so I'm baulking at selling it just yet.

 

Finally, I completely agree with you about the 28 Summicron and 50 Summilux ASPH.

If I could only keep these two fabulous lenses I'd still be happy.

[mirekti]

I found this review quite useful before I puchased 35FLE. REVIEW - LEICA 35MM F1.4 SUMMILUX-M ASPH FLE

[MarkP]

Thanks for posting that link. However, 3 years since I bought the 1.4/35 Summilux ASPH FLE I'm still unsure.

 

Maybe I should have a 35 Summicron or pre-ASPH 35 Summilux for those more general 'art' or 'people' photos and keep the Summilux FLE for what it does best.

 

:confused:

 

Can anyone shed more light on the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various pre-FLE Summiluxes?

[lct]

I would keep the FLE if you need sharpness at f/1.4 as the OoF of the previous 35/1.4 asph is hardly softer and focus shift is a problem with some samples of it as you know. Not all of them curiously, some titanium and silver samples being less prone to focus shift, don't ask me why. As for the 35/2 asph it offers probably the best compromise with some rather high CA though. The 35/2.5 is soft on edges and corners below f/5.6 and the 35/1.4 pre-asph is a keeper if you're after it's famous glow at f/1.4. But it is soft there and it flares a lot. It is my favorite 35 for soft portraits personally but it is not a modern lens contrary to your 50/1.4 asph and 28/2 asph.

[Dougg]

While I've never had the Summicron ASPH, I'm of the mind to just have 'em all and use them as the whim dictates. I did get a great deal in UK on the Summilux pre-FLE taking advantage of a clearance price and favorable currency exchange rates. Like most of my other lenses it's been adjusted by DAG and I don't notice any focus shift. I like this lens a lot.

 

For other choices I have both the f/2 and f/2.8 Biogons, the Nokton SC, a goggled f/2.8 Summaron (not coded), and the v.1 Summicron I bought new in the '60's and did get coded.

 

Doug

[brusby]

Maybe I should have a 35 Summicron or pre-ASPH 35 Summilux for those more general 'art' or 'people' photos and keep the Summilux FLE for what it does best.

 

Hmmm, I really like the FLE for people pics because of the natural skin tones, beautiful color, immunity to flare and low light capabilities.

 

Flickr link for full size original All sizes | L1001193-1-3 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[01af]

I really like the [summilux-M 35 mm Asph] FLE for people pics because of the natural skin tones [...] Flickr link ...

Ouch! You really consider these cartoonesque inflammatory skin tones natural?

 

Of course, it's not the lens to blame.

[skuromis]

Not quite as cartoonesque and inflammatory as your abrasive personality. A***(too much love for the public)***e.

Love is all around for the festive season I guess you could agree on simple difference of taste. However, I'd agree, that its not the lens which does the skin tones.

Happy festive days!

[brusby]

. . . I'd agree, that its not the lens which does the skin tones.

 

I believe it's inaccurate to say it's not the lens which does the skin tones just as it would be inaccurate to say the lens is solely responsible for them. And by skin tones, I mean not only color, but also textural rendering. The lens gives the basic info, which obviously can and usually will be manipulated. In practice, it's almost always a combination of factors that determines the final tones, including both the basic nature of the lens plus any post processing.

 

My point was solely that I liked the colors and textures provided by this lens.

[pop]

I have removed one post with offensive language. "Being provoked" is no excuse.

[brusby]

Ouch! You really consider these cartoonesque inflammatory skin tones natural?

 

Of course, it's not the lens to blame.

 

Not quite as cartoonesque and inflammatory as your abrasive personality. (summary description deleted)

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Guest]

Ouch! You really consider these cartoonesque inflammatory skin tones natural?

 

Of course, it's not the lens to blame.

 

MayI ask you, Philipp:

Is calling such a post - rude and grumpy - offensive language?

In case my post doesn't get removed, I would like to congratulate brusby for this well-done picture of happy and joyful peolple.

 

As super-bright people can easily learn everything, my Christmas wish here is, that these wonderful qualities become part of some learning-by-doing-New-Year-resolutions, for all of us.

 

Cheers,

Simon

[pop]

Member are not to call each other names, no matter what the provocation.

 

However, posting things which tend to provoke other members is not that much more acceptable, I think.

 

I have to make haste as my guests will arrive any minute now. Well, any time now, anyway.